Tekla discusses the benefits of adopting
a BIM process by exploring a project undertaken by ‘Tier BIM
Consult Ltd’, which won the UK Tekla Awards 2015.

There are many
misconceptions that BIM is just some type of fancy 3D modelling
software, however it is not. BIM is a process. A process that can bring
efficiencies to businesses in order to deliver projects quickly,
competently and reliably for clients.

Undeniably, in preparation for the
introduction of mandatory BIM on all government funded projects from
2016, there are many companies embracing BIM and implementing the
process across a variety of projects they are working on. Recently, Tier
BIM Consult –an independent company that provides clients with a
design, detailing and BIM service – has been working on a major new
development in London where all parties involved; structural engineers,
M&E contractors and the architect, have utilised the BIM process.
This is in order to help significantly speed up the project life-cycle,
reduce costs and improve the process and efficiency of the design and
building.

The new concrete-framed, mixed-use
development will include 220,000 sq2 of student accommodation, along
with 10,000 sq2 of retail space and is aiming to be completed by
September 2016.

A concrete construction was chosen that
incorporated a number of construction methods, such as piled raft
foundations, insitu and precast columns, precast core and insitu slabs.
However, underpinning this entire development is the collaboration of
everyone involved and how they have all co-operated through BIM. This
ultimately helped to significantly speed up the project life-cycle,
reduce costs and improve the process and efficiency of the design.

Tier BIM Consult was responsible
for the civil and structural design of the building, as well as the
detailing of the whole project. Andy Adams, the Director at the company,
commented: “Throughout this 19-storey project, the BIM process was
fully adopted by everyone to bring all the information about the
building together, in one place. This has made the project easier to
manage and ultimately it has minimised the risk of discrepancies and
reduced the overall costs.”

Indeed, the interoperability of a
software solution was an important part of the decision process for this
project. In particular, how this would lead to a more collaborative
working relationship with all parties participating in the concrete
construction workflow. Having an accurate 3D modelling solution delivers
benefits at every stage of the construction process, from initially
creating accurate 3D models to taking the model on site to pour the
concrete – providing complete confidence at all stages.

From receiving the architects models or
2D drawings, Andy and his team were able to import this information into
their preferred choice of software, in order to design the structure in
the most economical and efficient way.

Andy continued: “At Tier BIM
Consult, we like to use the latest software to allow for a seamless
workflow of analysis, design, detailing, documentation and BIM data for
building applications. Tekla’s Structural Designer and Tekla Structures
software enables us to do just that, as from the detailed analysis we
are able to provide the necessary files for direct input into the
project model. This speeds up the process of modelling with an increased
accuracy.”

From Tekla Structural Designer, the model
designs are transferred into Tekla Structures to produce general
arrangement drawings. Reinforcement of the whole structure is then
carried out, along with further drawings and bar bending schedules to
ensure that the company has fully sequenced and clash-checked the model –
eradicating errors and improving efficiency on site.

Once fully designed, the model will then
become the project’s database for producing detailed drawings, setting
out, retrieving quantities and extracting any other necessary
information. What’s more, during the handover stage of the project, the
database can be passed over to the client to fully utilise the model.
Having the ability to accurately visualise the building is invaluable in
terms of clearly understanding how everything will fit together and
work.

Andy concluded: “By focusing on our
client’s goals and using the latest technology to produce accurate data,
we are able to significantly speed up the project life-cycle, reduce
cost more through efficient estimating and improve the process and
efficiency of the design and building – therefore minimising risk and
waste.”

Collaboration is essential throughout all
the stages of a project and by utilising BIM practices, the supply
chain will benefit from considerable efficiencies across the board.
Incorporating intelligent software that can produce models to handle
large amounts of data is key to producing the schedules and drawings
essential to any construction build. Plus
the fact that each model contains a high level of construction detail,
the benefit of being able to visualise this in 3D – as opposed to a
conceptualised 2D drawing – provides a greater understanding of the task
in hand for all parties involved, as well as allowing detailed
analysis, planning and drawing production.